Norwegian Airlines Carry-on & Baggage Rules [2025]

Norwegian Airlines has built a reputation as one of Europe’s favorite budget carriers, flying millions of passengers across Europe and even long-haul to destinations like the U.S. But as with most low-cost airlines, the biggest catch isn’t the ticket price — it’s the baggage policy.

With Norwegian Airlines, what you can bring depends heavily on the fare type you booked. A LowFare ticket might only let you squeeze in a small under-seat bag, while Flex and Premium fares give you a bit more breathing room. I once saw a whole row of passengers at the gate juggling shopping bags from duty-free to dodge the baggage fees — a classic Norwegian Airlines moment.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Norwegian Airlines’ carry-on and checked baggage rules. From the tiny under-seat bag on LowFare tickets to the more generous allowances on Premium fares, we’ll break it down step by step so you can pack smart, avoid surprise fees, and actually enjoy your flight.

Carry-on Allowance

When it comes to hand luggage, Norwegian Airlines takes a stricter approach than many travelers expect. The allowance depends heavily on the fare type you booked, so let’s break it down:

• LowFare

  • Only 1 under-seat bag allowed.

  • Max size: 30 × 20 × 38 cm.

  • Weight: up to 10 kg.

  • This bag must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Overhead bin space is not included with this fare.

• LowFare+

  • Includes the under-seat bag (30 × 20 × 38 cm).

  • Plus 1 overhead cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm.

  • Combined weight for both bags: 10 kg total.

  • Perfect if you want just a bit more flexibility without paying Business-level prices.

• Flex / Premium / PremiumFlex

  • Same size restrictions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm for cabin bag + 30 × 20 × 38 cm for under-seat bag.

  • Combined weight limit is more generous at 15 kg total.

  • Makes a huge difference if you’re traveling long-haul or carrying heavier items like a laptop and camera gear.

• Important Note (Dubai flights)

  • Due to airport regulations, the maximum allowed weight for carry-ons is 8 kg total — regardless of fare type.

• Extra allowance

  • Norwegian allows one airport shopping bag in addition to your carry-on allowance. Handy if you plan to pick up snacks, water, or duty-free items before boarding.

Reality Check at the Gate

Norwegian Airlines does enforce these rules pretty strictly, especially on busy flights. Gate staff often weigh or tag bags, and if your ticket doesn’t include overhead space but you show up with a roller bag, you’ll likely have to pay a fee to check it in. I once saw a group of LowFare passengers frantically layering half their clothes to make their bags lighter — not the best pre-flight workout.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Just like with hand luggage, Norwegian’s checked baggage allowance depends on the fare type you booked. Here’s what you need to know:

• LowFare

  • No checked baggage included.

  • You’ll need to pay extra if you want to check a suitcase.

  • This is why LowFare looks so cheap at first — baggage isn’t part of the deal.

• LowFare+

  • Includes 1 checked bag, up to 23 kg.

  • Max dimensions: 250 × 79 × 112 cm or 300 cm total (length + width + height).

  • Good middle-ground option for travelers who need at least one suitcase.

• Flex / Premium / PremiumFlex

  • Includes 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg.

  • Same size restrictions apply (max 300 cm total).

  • A solid choice for long-haul flights or family travel.

Overweight and Oversized Bags

• Bags heavier than 23 kg but under 32 kg will trigger an overweight fee.

• Anything over 32 kg cannot be accepted for safety reasons.

• Oversized bags (larger than the maximum dimensions) also come with extra charges.

• Pro tip: if you know your bag will be overweight, it’s often cheaper to buy an extra checked bag allowance online instead of paying the overweight fee at the airport.

Real Traveler Tip

I once watched someone at Oslo airport desperately trying to move stuff from one suitcase to another because their bag was 26 kg. The funny part? Their second bag was half-empty. Norwegian is strict with the per bag limit — they don’t just add up the total weight of all your bags. So, always balance your packing.

Special Items

Norwegian Airlines also has clear rules for items that don’t fall under regular carry-on or checked baggage. If you’re traveling with children, sports gear, instruments, or pets, here’s what you should know:

Infants & Children

• You can bring 1 stroller or car seat free of charge when flying with a child.

• Infants traveling on an adult’s lap don’t get their own carry-on allowance, but parents can bring baby food and necessities in addition to their own baggage.

• A collapsible stroller is usually checked at the gate.

Sports Equipment

• Norwegian accepts most types of sports gear — skis, snowboards, surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles — but they must be booked in advance.

• If the equipment weighs less than 23 kg, it can be checked as part of your baggage allowance.

• Heavier or oversized items will cost extra, and fees vary by route.

• Pro tip: Norwegian is known for winter travel, so ski gear is commonly transported — but always pack it in a proper protective bag.

Musical Instruments

• Small instruments that fit within the cabin bag dimensions (55 × 40 × 23 cm) can be carried onboard as hand luggage.

• Larger instruments (like guitars or cellos) may require you to purchase an extra seat if you want them in the cabin. Otherwise, they must go as checked baggage.

Pets

• In the Cabin: Cats and small dogs are allowed on most flights if the carrier is within the size limit and the total weight (pet + carrier) is under 8 kg.

• In the Cargo Hold: Larger pets can travel as checked cargo, provided the crate meets IATA standards and doesn’t exceed 32 kg including the pet.

• Always book pet travel in advance, since Norwegian only allows a limited number of pets per flight.

Tips for Flying Norwegian Airlines

Flying with Norwegian Airlines can be smooth if you plan ahead, but a few insider tricks can save you money and stress:

1. Double-Check Your Fare

Don’t get fooled by the low ticket price. LowFare only covers one small under-seat bag — no overhead bag, no checked luggage. If you’re the kind of traveler who always needs a cabin roller, at least go for LowFare+.

2. Book Baggage Online Early

If you know you’ll need checked luggage, pay for it online when booking or at least before check-in. Buying baggage at the airport is significantly more expensive — sometimes double.

3. Watch the Combined Weight Limit

On LowFare+ you get two cabin items (under-seat + overhead), but the combined weight is only 10 kg. Gate agents do check this, and if you’re over, you’ll have to check a bag and pay up. Flex and Premium are a bit more forgiving with a 15 kg combined limit.

4. Balance Your Checked Bags

If you’re bringing more than one checked bag, make sure the weight is spread evenly. Norwegian charges for overweight baggage on a per-bag basis, not per passenger. That means a 26 kg bag and an 18 kg bag won’t balance out — the heavier one still gets hit with a fee.

5. Pack for Cold Weather Flights

Norwegian is a favorite for winter trips to Scandinavia. If you’re bringing bulky coats or ski gear, wear your heaviest items onto the plane to save baggage weight. It also keeps you warmer at those chilly Nordic airports!

6. Don’t Rely on Gate Generosity

Unlike some airlines that wave you through, Norwegian gate staff are pretty strict, especially on busy flights. If your fare doesn’t include overhead space and you show up with a roller bag, expect to pay.

Gear Recommendations for Norwegian Airlines

Traveling light with Norwegian Airlines means one tiny under-seat bag (30 × 20 × 38 cm) or an overhead bag (55 × 40 × 23 cm) — depending on your fare — so it’s essential to choose smart luggage.

Under-Seat Bag (30 × 20 × 38 cm)

• CabinZero Military Backpack 28 L
  A durable, budget-friendly option that’s earned praise for fitting tight airline limits without being flagged at the gate. Even if it’s a bit over, travelers report it’s squeezed through fine.

• Tom Bihn Bixi 32 L
  A top-tier one-bag solution for minimalists: roomy, well-organized, and still slim enough to pass most under-seat checks.

• Everyday Backpack (DIY Hack)
  Some budget flyers report that lightly packing a standard backpack (not overstuffed) and compressing it can work — though it’s less predictable.

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Overhead/Carry-on Bag (55 × 40 × 23 cm)

• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Tote
  Often featured in “best under-seat luggage” lists for its packability and user-friendly design — even though it’s technically labeled “underseat,” its slim shape works well for strict airlines.

• Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on
  A compact hardside that slides easily under seats and offers structure and interior organization — a sturdy, premium option praised by frequent travelers.

• Cabin Max Travel Bag
  The most economical pick in many “underseat” roundups. Lightweight, meets European carry-on dimensions, and includes useful compartments like a laptop pocket.

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Summary Recommendations

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Quick Tips

• Stick to lightweight, packable bags, especially for under-seat allowances.

• Avoid overstuffing, even if the bag looks like it might fit — gate agents often check thickness against seat clearance.

• Choose structured designs or compressible models depending on your fare: rolled softside for tilt-flex under-seat, harder structured carry-ons for overhead bins.

FAQs – Norwegian Airlines Baggage Rules

1. Can I bring a cabin roller bag on Norwegian Airlines LowFare?
No. LowFare tickets only include one small under-seat bag (30 × 20 × 38 cm). To bring a cabin roller, you’ll need to book LowFare+ or higher.

2. How strict is Norwegian Airlines with carry-on weight?
Quite strict. LowFare+ and Flex fares have combined limits (10 kg or 15 kg), and gate staff often weigh bags if they look heavy. Oversized or overweight items will be charged.

3. What’s the checked baggage allowance for LowFare+?
LowFare+ includes one checked bag up to 23 kg with maximum total dimensions of 300 cm.

4. Do Flex and Premium fares include checked baggage?
Yes. Flex, Premium, and PremiumFlex usually include two checked bags, each up to 23 kg.

5. Can I bring an airport shopping bag in addition to my carry-on?
Yes. Norwegian Airlines allows one duty-free or airport shopping bag in addition to your regular carry-on allowance.

6. Are pets allowed in the cabin?
Yes. Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin if the carrier and pet together weigh no more than 8 kg. Larger pets must travel in the cargo hold.

7. What happens if my bag weighs more than 23 kg?
Bags between 23–32 kg are accepted but will incur overweight fees. Bags heavier than 32 kg are not accepted for safety reasons.

8. Can I bring sports equipment on Norwegian Airlines?
Yes, but you must book it in advance. Equipment under 23 kg can count as checked baggage, but oversize or overweight items cost extra.

Conclusion

Norwegian Airlines might tempt you with some of the lowest fares in Europe, but the real secret is in understanding their baggage rules before you book. With LowFare, you’ll only get a tiny under-seat bag — anything more will cost you. Upgrading to LowFare+ or Flex gives you an overhead bag and checked baggage, and Premium travelers get the most generous allowance with two checked bags plus extra cabin weight.

The golden numbers to remember are:

• Under-seat bag: 30 × 20 × 38 cm (10 kg)

• Cabin bag: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (part of combined limit 10–15 kg depending on fare)

• Checked bag: 23 kg each (up to 2 bags depending on fare)

If you keep these limits in mind, you’ll avoid last-minute fees at the gate or check-in counter. Norwegian Airlines is strict, but also predictable — and once you plan your packing around their rules, the rest of the trip is smooth sailing. Or in this case, smooth flying.